CTV Two

Ottawa Senators back in business

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This is the day hockey fans and some local business owners have been waiting for.

Many bars and restaurants near Scotiabank Place had been hurting throughout the 113 day NHL lockout.

Tonight, Frescos Bistro on Hazeldean Road will spread the wealth by celebrating the return of hockey with a fundraiser for the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health.

Another sign that the Sens are back in business, today the team announced a new three-year sponsorship agreement with Chrysler.

In December, Moneris, a credit and debit card processing company released a report on the impact of the lockout on businesses near NHL arenas. It showed, on average, that restaurants were experiencing an 11% drop in business and bars were down 35%.

CTV's Natalie Pierosara has more on this story tonight at six.

Photos

The NHL lockout had a major impact on businesses near Scotiabank Place.